VCU RALLIES BY MASON

Virginia Commonwealth shook off a horrendous opening 10 minutes and mounted a second-half rally to overtake host George Mason, 77-66.

Trailing by 51-41 in the second half, Virginia Commonwealth ran off 17 of the next 19 points for a 58-53 lead following two free throws by Heather Harlow with 6:20 left.

George Mason tied at 58 on a follow shot by freshman Monique Hilton. Nursing a 64-62 lead with 1:55 left, VCU guard Stacy Agee made two free throws, stole an inbounds pass and was fouled. Agee made two d the next pair of free throws to give the Lady Rams (5-2) a 68-62 cushion.

Agee (17 points) sank all eight of her free throws and Virginia Commonwealth converted 11 of 13 free throws in the final 1:55. VCU was led by Diane Williams's 22 points.

George Mason (2-4) had balanced scoring, with Monique Hilton's 14 points and 10 each from Jerolyn Weathersby and Antoinette Battle. -- Bruce Speight

American 79, Towson State 63: Felicia Young and Julie Ruhlin each had 20 points for the Eagles (3-4). The host Tigers (3-4) were led by Joann Allen's career-high 17 points.

Howard 59, E. Kentucky 55: Ten of Angellitta Elliott's 12 points came in the second half to help the Bison (2-3) beat Eastern Kentucky (3-3) in the Mid-America Classic consolation game in Colombia, Mo. Karen Wilkins led Howard with 15 points, 12 rebounds.

Marymount 78, Salisbury State 71: Christa Washington had 18 points and 19 rebounds to lead Marymount (5-3) over host Salisbury State (3-4).

Georgetown 79, St. Francis (Pa.) 72: Kris Witfill scored a game-high 23 points and Karen Sheehan had 15 points and a career-high 17 rebounds to lift the Hoyas (3-3) in Loretto, Pa. St. Francis is 2-3.